Ceiling Collapse at BMC HQ Raises Alarms Over Smart City Infrastructure

(OT Webdesk)A section of the false ceiling near the Mayor’s chamber at Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters collapsed on Tuesday morning, sparking serious concerns about the structural integrity of the civic body’s flagship Smart City facility.

The incident occurred in an unoccupied corridor of the BMC-ICOMC building in Satyanagar, causing no injuries but exposing wiring and structural elements.

The ceiling, installed just two years ago to conceal central AC ducts, had recently undergone repairs—raising questions about construction quality and contractor accountability.

Visuals from the site showed scattered debris and broken gypsum boards. “It’s shocking how a newly installed ceiling could fail so soon,” said a BMC staffer, requesting anonymity.

Inaugurated in February 2023 at a cost of Rs 67–73 crore, the BMC-ICOMC building was meant to symbolize modern governance under the Smart City initiative.

However, the collapse has reignited criticism over persistent infrastructure lapses, including non-functional lifts, poor sanitation in public toilets, and delayed garbage disposal.

Mayor Sulochana Das has ordered an internal inquiry and assured strict action against contractors if negligence is proven.

Opposition parties and citizen groups are demanding a third-party audit, citing systemic neglect and mismanagement.

As Bhubaneswar continues its Smart City journey, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust maintenance protocols and transparent accountability in public infrastructure.